Automatic word counting apparatus for a typewriter

ABSTRACT

An apparatus to be attached to or form an original part of a typewriter for automatically counting each word as the typewriter is being operated, the counting mechanism being actuated by the spacer bar member on the typewriter and including a single action digital type counter mounted on the typewriter frame and connected by a novel linkage mechanism to the spacer bar, the linkage mechanism being selectably movable between an on/off position by a rotatable switch mounted to one end of the spacer bar, the typist being able to readily engage and disengage the counting mechanism by use of such switch.

United States Patent Anchia AUTOMATIC WORD COUNTING APPARATUS FOR A TYPEWRITER Primary ExaminerStephen J r Tomsky [76] Inventor: Sergio A. Anchia, 3283 NW. 16st,

Miami, Fla. 33125 [57] ABSTRACT Filcdi Oct- 29, 1973 An apparatus to be attached to or form an original [2]] AppL NO: 410,528 part of a typewriter for automatically counting each word as the typewriter is being operated, the counting mechanism being actuated by the spacer bar member [52] US. Cl. 235/102 n th typewriter and including a single action digital [51] Int. Cl B4lj 9/24 type counter mounted on the typewriter frame and [58] Field of Search 235/102; 197/187 onne ted by a novel linkage mechanism to the spacer bar, the linkage mechanism being selectably movable [56] Refe C d between an on/off position by a rotatable switch UNITED STATES PATENTS mounted to one end of .the spacer bar, the typist being 1.833.947 12 1931 Kupetz 235/102 able to readily engage and disengage the Coumlng 2265.088 12/1941 Tucker .1; 235 102 mechanism by use of Such switch- 1 2297,1210 9 1942 Walsh 235 102 2.435.450 2/1948 Lamb 235/102 4 8 Drawmg Flglres 53 fi 5 II J 1| lllll lllllllllllillllIllllllllllllll III E l ram 7 1. III 111 mu |u 1 l| 1111 I a 2 ilflihlPlfi/hll =2 oolm e0 l l Jllllillll'l' PATENTEDMOV s m $845360 sum ear 2 AUTOMATIC WORD COUNTING APPARATUS FOR A TYPEWRITER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to typewriters and more particularly to a novel and improved automatic word counting apparatus for a typewriter to provide for the automatic counting of each word as the typewriter is being operated.

2. Description of the Prior Art One of the most commonly used and-available machines that are currently available for office use is the typewriter'in that typewriters are used by virtually every business and by many individuals for purposes of writing letters, preparation of legal documents, and all other types of correspondence and business requirements. Many business establishments, such as law firms, typing schools, translating offices, and the like must count the number of words typed for purposes of billing or for fulfilling report requirements, this being accomplished at the present time by the time consuming and laborious effort of an individual physically counting each word on the typed page, this time consuming procedure being excessively expensive in view of the time required to perform the job, as well as the same being very boring and leadingto low morale among the office personnel.

This requirement of counting the number of words typed has been recognized in the prior 'art devices, but

such devices are overly complex and require that they form an integral part of the typewriter when initially manufactured, or alternatively, require that they be attached to the typewriter by an individual highly skilled and expert in the repair and maintenance of such typewriters, this being an expensive procedure which, due to the great number of typewriters normally found in an office, would not be incurred by the office manager such that the physical manual counting of words is still the normal procedure.

Among such overly complex prior art devices are found US. Pat. Nos. 2,265,088; 2,421,683; and 2,297,180. All of these prior art patents provide a complex mechanism to accomplish the counting of the words, each mechanism requiring substantial alterations and modifications of the typewriter such that the same have not met with general acceptance by the populace.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention recognizes the need to keep a count of the number of words typed on a typewriter, and provides a novel solution for automatically accomplishing the same and which overcomes all of the deficiences and disadvantages of presently available word counting devices. The present invention provides for the incorporation of a mechanically operated counter device that is actuated each time the space bar of the typewriter is operated, the counter being selectively activated or de-activated by the individual operating the typewriter by use of an on/off switch placed in a convenient location for the typewriter operator.

It is a feature of the present invention to provide a word counting apparatus which automatically keeps track of the number of words typed on the typewriter without requiring any special movement or effort on the part of the typist to achieve such counting.

A further feature of the present invention provides an provides an automatic word counting apparatus for a typewriter which is relatively simple in its construction and which therefore may be readily manufactured at a relatively low cost and simple manufacturing methods,

and which may be readily attached to a typewriter by use of normal tools without requiring alteration or modification to the typewriter.

The provision of an automatic word counting apparatus for a typewriter, such as briefly outlined above, and possessing the stated features and advantages, constitutes the principal features of the present invention. The provision of an automatic word counting apparatus for a typewriter which is rugged and durable and which therefore may be guaranteed by the manufacturer to provide a long lifetime of intended usage with a minimum of repair and maintenance required thereto; one which readily blends into the style and design of a typewriter so as to not adversely affect the aesthetic appearance thereof; one which may, in its entirety, by manufactured and installed as part of the original equipment of the typewriter, or which may be readily attached to the typewriter later as an accessory item; and one which, otherwise, is well adapted to perform the services required of it, are further desirable features which have been borne in mind in the production and development of the present invention.

Other features and advantages of this invention will be apparent during the course of the following descriptron.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS ratus;

H0. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the typewriter space bar having a portion of the word counting apparatus mounted thereto;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of a portion of the space bar illustrating the mounting of a portion of the word counting apparatus thereto;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the word counting apparatus attached to a typewriter and with the space bar in the at rest elevated position;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 5 but with the space bar in the operated depressed position thus activating the counting mechanism;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the on/off switch disposed beneath the space bar and set in the off position; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 7 but with the on/off switch set to the on position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings in detail there is illustrated a fragmentary view of a standard typewriter machine generally designated by reference numeral 10 and comprising a front frame 11 which defines the space therebetween for the bank of character keys or keyboard 12, the keyboard being of the standard type consisting of an upper row of numerals and punctuation marks with three lower rows of letter keys and other conventional punctuation marks and symbols. Underneath the keys there is provided a conventional space bar which, upon being depressed, serves to actuate the platen 14 of the typewriter 10 in the conventional manner to provide a space between words being typed on the typewriter.

The space bar 15 is of an elongated rectangular configuration having a top horizontal surface 21, a pair of opposed depending vertical end wall surfaces 22 and 23, and a pair of opposed depending side wall surfaces 24 and 25, the surfaces 21-25 defining interiorly thereof an elongated rectangular recess 26.

Disposed beneath the space bar 15 preferably centrally thereof is a bracket 30 including a base member 31 secured to the frame 11 by screws 32, the base having a pair of supporting members 33 connected thereto and extending horizontally outwardly therefrom normal to the axis of the space bar 15 and terminating at ends 34 approximately center of the keyboard 12, the ends 34 each including a vertical upturned flange 35 with the flanges being interconnected by a horizontally extending pin 36, the support members 33 being spaced apart and in confronting relationshipv to permit free rocking movement of a portion of a rocker arm 40 therebetween.

The rocker arm 40 is pivoted at its midpoint to pin 36 for rocking movement thereabout in a vertical plane, one end 41 of the rocker arm disposed beneath space bar 15 and spaced vertically downwardly therefrom, with the opposite end 42 of the rocker arm pivotally connected by a pin 43 to the adjacent end 44 of a lever arm 45 which projects in an upward direction therefrom to terminate at end 46-which is pivotally connected by a pin 47 to the adjacent end 48 of a second lever arm 49 which projects in an upward direction therefrom to terminate at end 50 which is fixedly connected to a horizontally extending rod 51 which extends substantially normal to the axis of the rocker arm and interconnected lever arms. The rod 51 is pivotally journaled at one end 52 in a support 53 which is threadedly secured to frame 11, the opposite end 54 being fixedly connected to the projecting end of an operating shaft 55 which projects axially with rod 51 into a single action ratchet type counting mechanism 56, the operating shaft effecting the counting rotation of the digits 57 of the counter, with the counter being resettable to zero by a shaft 58 projecting out of a side thereof. The counter 56 is of a conventional ratchet type construction and is mounted to the exterior surface of frame 11 with the digits 57 being readily readable to a typist from the typing position.

Interconnecting the end 41 of rocker arm 40 with the space bar 15 is an actuating mechanism 60 which is vertically disposed between the rocker arm and space bar and which includes a vertical shaft 61 mounted for reciprocating vertical movement on the frame 11, a hollow open ended collar member 62 mounted for rotative movement on the top end of shaft 61 about the axis thereof, and a threaded rod 63 projecting upwardly from the collar member to engage the interior of top surface 21 of the space bar 15.

The shaft 61 is of an elongated cylindrical configuration having a bifurcated end portion 64 which straddles end 41 and which extends to a sufficient length in the shaft to permit free vertical reciprocating movement of the shaft in a manner not engaging the rocker arm 40 when the space bar is depressed in the normal manner during operation of the typewriter 10. The collar member 62 is of a hollow cylindrical configuration which is rotatably mounted on the-top end of shaft 61 for rotation about the axis of the shaft, the bottom end 65 of the collar member having a segment 66 projecting downwardly therefrom along one side thereof, the segment adapted to be rotated between an operative position in engagement with rocker arm 40 and an inoperative position out of engagement with rocker arm 40. A pair of radially extending pins 67 project outwardly from the side wall of collar member 62 and are used to effect the rotation of the collar member about its axis as will be later described. The top end 68 of the collar member 62 is provided with a threaded cylindrical recess having one end of threaded rod 63 threadedly received therein with the projecting top end 69 of the rod engaging the interior surface of top surface 21 of space bar 15. In operation of this actuating mechanism 60, when segment 66 is out of engagement with rocker member 40, depressing spacer bar 15 effects the vertical movement of the actuating mechanism with the bifurcated ends 64 straddling the rocker member such that no movement of the rocker member is effected by the actuating mechanism. In the operating position with the collar member 62 rotated to engage segment 66 with the rocker member 40, depressing spacer bar 15 effects the vertical downward movement of the actuating mechanism 60 which in turn effects the rocking movement of rocker arm 40 to effect, through lever arms 45 and 49, the rotation of rod 51 about its axis in a first direction to actuate the counter mechanism 56, the release of the spacer bar 15 permitting all components of the apparatus to return to their normal at rest positions with the counter mechanism 56 again ready to indicate a further word upon depressing of the spac bar 15. e

To effect the rotation of the collar member 62 between the operative and inoperative position relative to rocker arm 40, there is provided an on/off switch device 70 which includes a rod 71 projecting longitudinally through recess 26 of space bar 15 with one end 71 projecting out of space bar end wall 23 and terminating in a handle 72, the opposite end 73 of the rod 71 terminating in a ninety degree bent arm section 74 which projects between the pins 67 on the collar member 62, rotation of the handle 72 in one direction about the longitudinal axis of the rod 71 effecting the rotative movement of the arm 74 in the same direction to engage one of the pins 67 to effect the rotation of the collar member, the rotation of the handle 72 in the opposite direction effecting the engagement of the arm 74 with the opposite pin 67 to effect the rotation of the collar member in the opposite direction. The rotation of the handle member 72 is generally indicated by arrow 75 in FIG. 3, the movement of the spacer bar being generally indicated by arrow 76, and the rotative movement of the arm 74 about the axis of rod 71 being generally indicated by arrow 77.

As seen in FIG. 5, the spacer bar 15 is in the at rest position, and as seen in FIG. 6, the actuating mechanism 60 has been rotated into the operating position and the spacer bar 15 depressed in the normal manner, such as indicated by arrow 78, this effecting the rocking movement of rocker arm 40 to effect the actuation of counter mechanism 46 in the manner as aforedescribed.

For ease of convenience to the typist, the rod 71 is supported by a member 79 disposed in recess 26 with the handle 72 being disposed immediately adjacent spacer bar end 23 for movement therewith, the handle preferably being of a size and configuration within the confines of the planes defined by the top surface and side wall surfaces of the space bar 15.

There is thus provided an automatic word counting apparatus operable with operation of the spacer bar to count the words being typed on the typewriter, the counting apparatus being selectively energized and deenergized by the typist and, when energized, requiring no special effort on the part of the typist to automatically keep count of the words being typed.

It is to be understood that the form of this invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that this invention is not to be limited to the exact arrangement of parts shown in the accompanying drawingsor described in this specification as various changes in the details of construction as to shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention, the scope of the novel concepts thereof, or the scope of the sub-joined claims.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed 1. An automatic word counting apparatus for counting the words typed on a standard typewriting machine having conventional letter, number, and punctuation keys and a normal spacer bar, the apparatus comprising a bracket mounted to the typewriter frame in a position beneath the spacer bar and projecting inwardly of the typewriter frame therefrom, a rocker arm having a point pivotally connected to the bracket for rocking movement about the pivot point and dividing the rocker arm into a first end section disposed beneath the spacer bar and spaced downwardly therefrom, and a second rocker arm section disposed on the opposite side of the pivot point and projecting away from the first rocker arm section, pivotable linkage means having one end operatively connected to the end of the second section of the rocker arm, a rod extending substantially normal to the axis of the rocker arm, support means mounted to the typewriter frame adapted to rotatably support the rod for rotation about the axis of the rod, the opposite end of the linkage means fixedly connected to the rod to effect the rotation thereof about its axis upon operation of the rocker arm, a onestage ratchet operated'counting mechanism having a drive shaft extending outwardly therefrom and operatively connected to the rod for rotative driving thereby upon actuation of the rocker arm, the counter mechanism including a reset knob projecting from the housing of the counter mechanism and adapted for resetting the counter to zero at the desires of the individual operating the typewriting machine, and means selectably interconnecting the end of the rocker arm disposed beneath the spacer bar to the spacer bar, and an actuating mechanism adapted to selectively engage and disengage the rocker arm from movement with the spacer bar to effect the engagement and disengagement of the counter mechanism from counting the number of words being typed on the typewriting machine, and a switch device operatively associated with the actuating mechanism and movable between an on and off position whereby in the on position the actuating device interconnects the rocker arm to the spacer bar for movement therewith to count the words being typed, and

i when the switch device is in the off position the actuating device disengages the spacer bar from the rocker arm thus de-activating the counter mechanism.

2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the means interconnecting the spacer bar to the rocker arm as well as the acutating mechanism comprises an elongated shaft having a top end and a bottom end and an elongated body member interconnecting the opposed ends, a slot extending through the bottom portion of the shaft and opening out of the bottom end thereof, the slot adapted to straddle the end of the rocker arm disposed beneath the spacer bar, a collar member mounted for rotation about the axis of the shaft on the top end portion of the shaft and having a top end and a bottom end and side walls interconnecting the same, a pair of operating pins disposed in aligned angularly spaced apart positions projecting radially from the side wall of the collar member, an operating segment arm formed integrally with the bottom end of the collar member and adapted to engage the rocker arm end to effect movement of the same when the collar member is in a first operative position, and the segment arm adapted to disengage from the rocker arm end when the collar member is rotated to an inoperative position, and a stud member projecting upwardly from the top end of the collar member and terminating in contact with thespacer arm such that the pressing of the spacer arm will effect the downward movement of the stud and collar member and shaft as a unitary assembly, the depressing of the spacer arm effecting the operation of the counter mechanism when the collar member segment is in engagement with the rocker arm end.

3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein the switch device comprises an elongated rod extending longitudinally in the spacer bar, one end of the rod projecting out of one end of the spacer bar and terminating in a handle member adapted to effect the rotation of the rod about its axis, means rotatably supporting the arm disposed in the spacer bar, the opposite end of the i rod terminating in a section projecting radially outwardly therefrom and adapted to be received within the pair of operating pins on the collar member, rotation of the rod in a first direction about its axis engaging the projecting arm with one of the operating pins to effect a rotative movement of the collar member about its axis to place the collar member segment out of engagement with the rocker arm to permit operation of the spacer bar without effecting operation of the counting mechanism, and operation of the rod in the opposite direction about its axis effecting the engagement of the projecting arm with the other operating pin to effect the rotation of the collar member in the opposite direction about its axis to place collar member segment in operative engagement with rocker arm end such that recess formed therein adapted to threadedly receive the stud thereinto in a manner projecting axially thereour of, the stud being threadedly adjustable relative to the collar member in a manner to engage the top end of the stud to the spacer bar when the spacer bar is in the normal at rest position. 

1. An automatic word counting apparatus for counting the words typed on a standard typewriting machine having conventional letter, number, and punctuation keys and a normal spacer bar, the apparatus comprising a bracket mounted to the typewriter frame in a position beneath the spacer bar and projecting inwardly of the typewriter frame therefrom, a rocker arm having a point pivotally connected to the bracket for rocking movement about the pivot point and dividing the rocker arm into a first end section disposed beneath the spacer bar and spaced downwardly therefrom, and a second rocker arm section disposed on the opposite side of the pivot point and projecting away from the first rocker arm section, pivotable linkage means having one end operatively connected to the end of the second section of the rocker arm, a rod extending substantially normal to the axis of the rocker arm, support means mounted to the typewriter frame adapted to rotatably support the rod for rotation about the axis of the rod, the opposite end of the linkage means fixedly connected to the rod to effect the rotation thereof about its axis upon operation of the rocker arm, a one-stage ratchet operated counting mechanism having a drive shaft extending outwardly therefrom and operatively connected to the rod for rotative driving thereby upon actuation of the rocker arm, the counter mechanism including a reset knob projecting from the housing of the counter mechanism and adapted for resetting the counter to zero at the desires of the individual operating the typewriting machine, and means selectably interconnecting the end of the rocker arm disposed beneath the spacer bar to the spacer bar, and an actuating mechanism adapted to selectively engage and disengage the rocker arm from movement with the spacer bar to effect the engagement and disengagement of the counter mechanism from counting the number of words being typed on the typewriting machine, and a switch device operatively associated with the actuating mechanism and movable between an on and off position whereby in the on position the actuating device interconnects the rocker arm to the spacer bar for movement therewith to count the words being typed, and when the switch device is in the off position the actuating device disengages the spacer bar from the rocker arm thus deactivating the counter mechanism.
 2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the means interconnecting the spacer bar to the rocker arm as well as the acutating mechanism comprises an elongated shaft having a top end and a bottom end and an elongated body member interconnecting the opposed ends, a slot extending through the bottom portion of the shaft and opening out of the bottom end thereof, the slot adapted to straddle the end of the rocker arm disposed beneath the spacer bar, a collar member mounted for rotation about the axis of the shaft on the top end portion of the shaft and having a top end and a bottom end and side walls interconnecting the same, a pair of operating pins disposed in aligned angularly spaced apart positions projecting radially from the side wall of the collar member, an operating segment arm formed integrally with the bottom end of the collar member and adapted to engage the rocker arm end to effect movement of the same when the collar member is in a first operative position, and the segment arm adapted to disengage from the rocker arm end when the collar member is rotated to an inoperative position, and a stud member projecting upwardly from the top end of the collar member and terminating in contact with the spacer arm such that the pressing of the spacer arm will effect the downward movement of the stud and collar member and shaft as a unitary assembly, the depressing of the spacer arm effecting the operation of the counter mechanism when the collar member segment is in engagement with the rocker arm end.
 3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein the switch device comprises an elongated rod extending longitudinally in the spacer bar, one end of the rod projEcting out of one end of the spacer bar and terminating in a handle member adapted to effect the rotation of the rod about its axis, means rotatably supporting the arm disposed in the spacer bar, the opposite end of the rod terminating in a section projecting radially outwardly therefrom and adapted to be received within the pair of operating pins on the collar member, rotation of the rod in a first direction about its axis engaging the projecting arm with one of the operating pins to effect a rotative movement of the collar member about its axis to place the collar member segment out of engagement with the rocker arm to permit operation of the spacer bar without effecting operation of the counting mechanism, and operation of the rod in the opposite direction about its axis effecting the engagement of the projecting arm with the other operating pin to effect the rotation of the collar member in the opposite direction about its axis to place collar member segment in operative engagement with rocker arm end such that depressing the spacer bar effects the rocking movement of the rocker arm about its pivot in a manner moving the linkage means to effect the operation of the counting mechanism.
 4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein the stud projecting upwardly from the collar member is provided with threads about its exterior surface, the top end of the collar member having a cylindrical threaded recess formed therein adapted to threadedly receive the stud thereinto in a manner projecting axially thereout of, the stud being threadedly adjustable relative to the collar member in a manner to engage the top end of the stud to the spacer bar when the spacer bar is in the normal at rest position. 